HALIFAX – The proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project will be on the agenda when New England governors meet with Eastern Canadian premiers, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter said Friday.

Dexter said a “complete update” will be presented during the meeting, which begins Sunday and runs through Tuesday in Halifax.

Dexter is co-chairman of the conference, along with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

“We think there will be a good and healthy discussion about the potential that exists,” said Dexter.

The proposed $6.2-billion project includes building a subsea cable to carry electricity from Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia, as well as seeking export markets in the New England states.

Both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have asked for financial help from Ottawa, but that’s been over the objections of the Quebec government, which sees any potential aid as an unfair subsidy.

Dexter said he doesn’t expect the issue will create a problem at the meeting because the provinces are simply looking out for their own interests.

“We represent the interests of our provinces to the best of our abilities and we understand that they don’t always run in parallel,” said Dexter.

He said he has a good working relationship with Quebec Premier Jean Charest, and it’s understood the provinces can disagree with one another “without being disagreeable.”

Late last month, the Nova Scotia government confirmed that 20 per cent of the province’s renewable energy is expected to come from the proposed hydroelectric development in Labrador by 2020.

Nova Scotia Power Inc., the province’s privately owned utility, expects to import up to 164 megawatts annually from the project, slated for completion in 2017.

Dexter said the conference would also look at environmental issues, such as climate change, and there will be an update on the state of Canada-U.S. border security from Canadian
Ambassador Gary Doer and U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson.
Six New England governors will attend, along with the four Atlantic Canadian premiers and the premier of Quebec.